The first day of school brings butterflies for students—and sometimes for teachers too! First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg is the perfect read-aloud to ease those nervous feelings and open up conversations about back-to-school emotions. If you’re looking for activities for First Day Jitters that are meaningful, differentiated, and fun, this comprehensive book companion has everything you need to start the year strong.
Reading Comprehension Activities for First Day Jitters
This unit is more than just a book companion—it’s a complete back-to-school experience designed to support every learner. It includes differentiated reading comprehension activities for “First Day Jitters,” allowing you to choose from a wide range of essential literacy skills, including predicting, sequencing, retelling, and identifying the story’s message. Develop deeper thinking with activities focused on character traits, emotions, key events, inferencing, and text evidence. Formats like cut-and-paste sorts, drawing prompts, and Q&A checks make it easy to engage all learners.
Vocabulary & Word Work Activities for First Day Jitters
Target meaningful vocabulary with fun and purposeful word work activities centered around First Day Jitters. Students will explore words like jitters, reluctantly, and comforting through tasks such as color-by-definition, synonym/antonym matching, ABC order, and more. These activities for First Day Jitters also include word searches, syllable sorts, and writing exercises to reinforce understanding and application of new vocabulary.
Writing Activities for First Day Jitters
Get students writing from Day 1 with engaging prompts and printables that connect directly to the story. This unit includes retelling books, fill-in-the-blank stories, and personal response pages that encourage students to reflect on their own first-day emotions. These writing activities for First Day Jitters help students build self-awareness and community while developing early writing skills.
Math Extensions
Don’t stop at reading—this unit even includes math activities for First Day Jitters to integrate learning across subjects. From graphing Jitter Juice opinions to roll-and-subtract games, students will stay engaged while reviewing essential math skills. These math extensions are the perfect way to reinforce learning and fun in the first week of school.
Turn the Jitters into Joy: Fun, Hands-On Extras
Sometimes it’s the little things that leave the biggest impact. These bonus activities for First Day Jitters make the story come alive in your classroom—and help ease those first-day nerves with creativity and connection.
Jitter Juice
Mix up some fizzy fun with this sweet drink activity that includes a recipe, poem, coloring page, graphing activity, and more. A perfect pairing for your snack time or class celebration!
Jitter Glitter
Send home a sprinkle of magic before the first day with this adorable glitter tradition. Choose from baggies, pillow cards, or laminated keepsakes—whatever suits your style!
Jitter Critters
Add a dose of cuteness with mini animal companions to comfort students on the first day of school. This favorite activity includes labels, poems, posters, and response pages.
Jitter Jar Crafts
Let students express their emotions with a heartfelt craft where they reflect on what gives them the jitters or what helps them feel calm. Great for a bulletin board or SEL-focused morning meeting!
Why Teachers Love These Activities for First Day Jitters
This resource was designed with flexibility in mind. With dozens of activities to choose from, teachers can select what works best for their grade level, schedule, and class needs. Whether you’re working on literacy, building community, or just looking for fun ways to welcome students, these activities for First Day Jitters offer a perfect mix of structure, creativity, and support.
Ready to calm the jitters and spark some smiles?
Make this your go-to resource for activities for First Day Jitters and kick off your school year with confidence, connection, and fun! You can also grab First Day Jitters read aloud book here to go along with this resource. I do earn a small commission for your purchase.
👉 Grab the First Day Jitters Unit here!
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